But speaking to the Daily Star at the premiere of his new film One Chance James, 35, was adamant he would come out on top.

In the biopic he plays Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts, 43.

He said: “Yes we are in talks about doing Fifty Shades now.

“Really it’s just a diary issue more than anything. But I think to anyone that has read the book I’m a natural and perfect candidate when you’re thinking of that role, right?”

DISH: Charlie Hunnam was originally cast to be Christian Grey but had to pull out [GETTY]

Slimmer James lost five stone last year, after dieting advice from pal and 80s icon Boy George, 52.The Gavin and Stacey star also let slip that he named his two-year-old son Max McCartney after Beatles legend Sir Paul.

He agreed to the move to convince Macca, 71, to take part in a Comic Relief film.

James confessed: “I laid it on very thick, telling him: ‘People won’t die if you do our sketch.’

“He said: ‘Bloody hell, I’ve heard some grovelling in my time.’

“I replied: ‘That’s nothing – if you’d said no, I was going to say I would name my unborn child after you.'”

Macca then agreed the deal.

FANTASY COUPLE: Aaron Taylor-Johnson with wife Sam Taylor-Wood could be the new leading man [GETTY]